FitSugar

Professional Teeth Whitening: What You Should Know

FitSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0700

Many toothpaste makers also sell over-the-counter teeth whitening strips to help make your smile dazzle. If you have severe discoloration, these strips may not give you the results you're after. That's when professional teeth whitening may cross your mind, so here are some things you should know.

Your teeth are equipped with an enamel surface that's designed to protect your teeth from the effects of coffee, smoking, wine, and aging. Over the years though, your enamel begins to wear down so it becomes more transparent, and the yellowish color of dentin (your tooth's core) begins to show through. Also with time, tiny cracks form in the enamel that allows debris and stains to sink in, which adds to the dull, grayish color.

When you have your teeth professionally whitened, the stains and debris are removed but the cracks will still remain. That means eventually your teeth will need to be whitened again to get that same desired white smile. People choose this option instead of over-the-counter whitening products because dentists have access to high-concentration peroxide gel, so you can achieve better results in a shorter amount of time. To find out what the risks of teeth whitening are read more.

The downside to professional whitening is that this stronger whitening formula can also cause extreme tooth sensitivity and gum irritation (which can last up to a month), not to mention it's much more expensive (around $650 per dentist visit). Depending on how stained your teeth are and how they respond to the gel, it may take several visits to acquire the whiteness you're after. Plus if you have crowns or porcelain veneers, the whitening won't affect them, so you could end up with what dentists call technicolor teeth (multi-colored teeth).

Fit's Tip: Experts say that teeth whitening is safe, as long as the products are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). If you're considering professional teeth whitening, it's best to chat with your dentist about your options.

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Are You Getting Enough Fluoride?

FitSugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 09:30:00 -0800

I went to the dentist the other day for a cleaning, and she asked me if I use mouthwash that contains fluoride. I shook my head and said, "My toothpaste has fluoride in it, isn't that enough?" She didn't think so and clinical studies show that by using both a fluoride mouthwash and a fluoride toothpaste, it can provide extra protection against tooth decay more than if you use fluoride toothpaste on its own. Fluoride can prevent cavities in two ways. It strengthens the protective layer of enamel on your teeth, so it can better resist cavities. It can also reverse low levels of tooth decay and remineralize soft spots on your teeth, which can prevent new cavities from cropping up.

What about fluoride being added to public water? To find out read more

Even though fluoride can be found naturally in many water sources, many cities add fluoride to tap water. Some believe the extra fluoride can be detrimental to your health, and can cause staining, bone cancer, or mental illness. Others believe that it's doing your mouth good, and that there's no evidence that fluoride can lead to serious health problems. Drinking fluoride is a lot different than rinsing with it though, so is my dentist right? Should I be rinsing with fluoride?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the best way to reduce tooth decay is to get fluoride both topically (as in toothpastes and mouth rinses), and systemically (when you drink it). So they're all for fluoride in water, and they say that it can reduce tooth decay in both children and adults by 20 to 40 percent.

So do you need a fluoride rinse? It depends on your dental history (whether or not you're prone to getting cavities), if your town adds fluoride to its water supply, and the recommendation of your dentist. So call your local health department to find out how much fluoride can be found in your public water, and talk to your dentist to see if they think you need to pick up a bottle of fluoride rinse.

Good News: Pain-Free Dentistry Coming Soon

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:30:00 -0700

I really dislike going to the dentist and even though my dentist is a lovely person, I just dread seeing him. I am not sure which is worse: the sound of the drill or the Novocaine.

Regardless of the answer, I heard some good news recently: Pain-free dentistry is just around the corner! This new form of dentistry comes in the form of a "non thermal plasma brush." Now that sounds like a gadget straight out of science fiction.

The plasma brush uses a low-temperature chemical reaction to disinfect a tooth and to prepare cavities for a filling. If all goes according to the folks researching the plasma brush, the destructive, loud and hot dental drill would be gone and in its place would be the silent action of the plasma brush. Researchers also believe that the chemical bond created with the plasma brush will alter the tooth's surface, creating a stronger bond with the filling.

Unfortunately, there is no news on when this treatment form will arrive at our local dental offices, but patents have been filed. So all we can do is hope. And brush regularly. Oh and floss too!

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Going to the Dentist: What's the Deal With Sedation?

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Even if you are one of those people who absolutely dreads going to the dentist, you know it is still really important to go regularly. You need to keep your teeth and gums healthy, so your dentist can prevent small problems from growing into dental disasters.

Now many dentists offer sedation dentistry. To ensure panicked patients make it to the twice yearly visits, many dentists offer sedation dentistry. You can opt for this method if you have sensitive teeth or gums, you don't easily go numb, if you have a lot of dental work that needs to get done, or if you have major dental anxiety or a phobia about going to the dentist. Whatever your reason, there are different degrees of dental sedation that are available.

Here's the run down of sedation methods you can try:

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Ahh, laughing gas. I used to get this as a kid and it really helps to calm you down. You inhale it and it puts you in a state of complete relaxation, but you are still totally conscious. Since laughing gas doesn't block the pain, your dentist will still need to give you a shot of local anesthesia, aka Novocaine.

Oral Sedatives: Diazepam is one form of medication you can take the night before, or 30-60 minutes before an appointment, depending on the severity of the anxiety. Although you will feel calmer, with this option you will still feel the pain. So with this method you also still need to get a shot of Novocaine to numb you.

There are 2 more methods. To hear what they are read more

Intravenous (IV) Sedation: You basically get anti-anxiety drugs administered into the bloodstream. This also doesn't block the pain, so you'll still need to get a shot of Novocaine. You'll remain conscious and be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist, but you may not remember much of what happened while you were in the chair. IV sedation makes you feel utterly relaxed and makes you not care about what's going on, and the drugs may also cause full or partial amnesia (only during the period of time when they're in your bloodstream. Time will feel like it passes quickly, almost like you were asleep.

General Anesthesia: This is where you are unconscious and completely pain free, so you don't even need the Novocaine. You won't be able to respond to anything, since you are basically out of it, and you'll need help breathing. This method is used if you need oral surgery, like all 4 of your wisdom teeth pulled. Someone will need to drive you to the office, stay with you during the procedure, and then will need to drive you home. Some people have negative reactions to the anesthesia and experience bouts of vomiting.

These 4 methods can be used to offer different degrees of sedation, ranging from being awake yet calm, to totally unconscious. You and your doctor can figure out what method may be right for you, depending on your level of comfort and the procedures that need to be done.

I think sedation dentistry is a brilliant idea. I don't know anyone who likes going to the dentist, so this can make necessary procedures a lot easier to handle for people who are afraid to have them done.

Fit's Tips: Looking for a dentist in your area who offers sedation? Click here to find one near you.

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Don't Avoid Your Dentist

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Some of us just really hate to go to the dentist and avoid it at all costs. That avoidance might be costing you your teeth. Here is a little statistic that might inspire you: 30 percent of Americans over 60 no longer have their teeth. OK, that is a little frightening but allow me to broaden the perspective of my scare tactics - our generation's teeth have seriously benefited from greater access to better dental care. Dental experts are predicting that the rate of toothless retirees will be substantially lower by the time we are of age to join AARP.

To protect your teeth, not only should you brush and floss twice daily, but you should also visit the dentist twice a year for cleanings. Don't put off fillings or crowns because the delay can put you at risk for losing your teeth later. It is kind of like a pay it forward situation for your mouth, because the many dental problems are preventable if you just listen to your teeth.

Here are some other ways to put your money where your mouth is:

If you have recently taken up a contact sport like boxing or kickboxing wear a mouth guard.

Same goes if you are a jaw clencher or a tooth grinder. Your dentist can make a very sexy (do you feel the irony?) mouth guard for you that will protect your teeth during the dangerous act of sleeping.

Pregnancy hormones affect your gums, so don't skip your dental appointments when you are preggo.

Some medications, like certain antihistamines and antidepressants, may cause dry mouth, which inhibits the break down of plaque. Talk to your dentist about ways to help reduce the damage this might cause.

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How Does Novocaine Work?

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:30:00 -0700

When I have a cavity filled all I can say is praise to the Novocaine. When my dad was little, his dentist didn't use local anesthetics, and my poor dad had to sit in the chair knowing he was in for a whole lot of pain. My jaw hurts just thinking about it.

I just learned that prior to the invention of Novocaine, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. Cocaine constricts blood cells, which reduces bleeding, but as we all know it's also highly addictive.

In the early 1900's scientists created a synthetic version of cocaine, but without the nasty side effects, and christened it Procaine. We know it by its trade name Novocaine, and I have no idea why my dad's dentist didn't use it since it was definitely available to the masses when he was a boy. Since its development, stronger local anesthetics have come along like Lidocaine, Septacaine, and Mepivocaine (most dentists still call the shot "Novocaine" though, so ask what they specifically use if you're interested).

These injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, so the area feels numb for up to 3-4 hours.

All I can say is that even though the shot stinks and can really pinch your gum (and make your mouth really sore for days after), it's still way better than how much it would hurt with NO shot at all.

Fit's Tip: Ask your dentist to apply a topical anesthesia to your gums to numb the area before the Novocaine shot. It makes getting a cavity filled just a little bit easier to bare.

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Wedding Prep: Get Your Smile Ready

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 11:00:00 -0700

One thing a bride wants on her wedding day is a picture perfect smile. Come to think of it - who doesn't want a lovely smile? There's no time like the present to get your smile ready for your big day (this could be graduation, reunion, or a much anticipated vacation too). Sometimes dealing with dental visits can take several months, or possibly even over a year, so you'll want to get started as soon as possible.

Think about having visible metal fillings replaced with white resin-based composite fillings (they blend in with your natural tooth color). Some people think non-metal fillings are healthier for you anyway.

If your teeth are stained or discolored, maybe you've always thought about getting your teeth whitened. If you cannot afford the expensive whitening treatments the dentist offers, you can try an OTC whitener. Do talk to you dentist about which product is right for you.

If you have some teeth that are out of place, you'll be glad you called your dentist early to set up a plan so your teeth will be straight for the big day.

Whatever the reason, starting your dental work early is a great idea. I know my dentist has so many patients that I have to make appointments at least 3 months in advance. You'll feel more confident about getting your smile set as soon as possible.

Which Would You Rather Do?

FitSugar — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 04:00:00 -0700

OK ladies. Going to the Gynecologist and spreading eagle in a paper dress for a pap smear and breast check can be totally unpleasant. While you're strapped into those stirrups, you've got to love all those personal questions too, like "Do you suffer from vaginal dryness?" and "Are your periods heavy or light?" (sigh) I dread going every year. By far, it's not my favorite way to spend an afternoon.

On the other hand, going to the dentist isn't top on my list either. You get poked, prodded, and drilled with metal instruments while you're forced to keep you mouth wide open for unnatural amounts of time. Don't forget about being stuffed with wads of cotton - that's always fun. My dentist always asks me questions that I can never answer because my mouth is wide open. And how about that anesthesia? You can't eat or drink anything without it ending up dripping down the side of your face. My jaw is always so sore the next day too. Do we really have to go twice a year?

They both are no picnic, each is important for maintaining your health - but which would you rather do?

Free Dental Visit for Kids Tomorrow

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Feb 2007 12:15:00 -0800

Did you know that it is recommended that children see a dentist no later than their first birthday, yet only 3 out of 5 children have seen a dentist before kindergarten?

On Feb. 2, an estimated 750,000 children from low-income families across the country will receive free dental services as part of the American Dental Association’s (ADA) fifth annual Give Kids A Smile program. More than 51,000 dental professionals will provide services including educational materials, screenings and, where possible, free dental care, such as cleanings and fillings at more than 2,100 sites across the country.

Give Kids A Smile is a national ADA initiative to focus attention on the epidemic of untreated oral disease among disadvantaged children. Caries, which is the chronic infectious disease that causes cavities, remains second only to the common cold in terms of prevalence in children. Unlike a cold, untreated tooth decay won’t heal-in fact, it often gets worse.

To find a location near you participating, visit the Give Kids A Smile site.

Tips From the Dental Chair

FitSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:43 -0800

Sitting in the dentist chair is never pleasant for me. Luckily, my daughters still enjoy the experience - they think a cleaning is like having their teeth tickled. Inspired by their enthusiasm for oral health, I compiled a list of simple tips to make the experience of dental work a little less anxiety provoking.

Keep your eyes open; the visual stimulus will distract you from discomfort or pain.
Even with all those hands in your mouth, try to focus on your breath.
Bring your iPod to block out the noise of the drill.
Come up with a hand signal to alert the dentist when you're in pain, because a sudden movement or twitch can complicate matters.
Be sure to tell the dentist if you are sensitive and/or afraid. Most will be accommodating; if not, I suggest finding a new dentist.
Take a written list of questions and concerns so you don't forget them due to the stress of the visit.